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5 Best Ribbon Microphones

Updated
Experienced product tester and reviewer with 5+ years, providing unbiased reviews and ensuring product quality.
Updated
#1 | Winner
Royer R-121

Main Features

  • Figure-8 polar pattern
  • High SPL handling
  • Offset ribbon design
  • Natural sound reproduction

Product Overview

The Royer R-121 is renowned for its ability to capture instruments and vocals with incredible detail and warmth. It features a figure-8 polar pattern and a unique offset ribbon design that minimizes the risk of damage from loud sound sources.

The R-121's ability to handle high SPLs without distortion makes it ideal for recording electric guitars, brass instruments, and more. Its smooth frequency response and natural sound reproduction have made it a studio staple for over two decades.

Whether you're capturing the subtleties of a vocal performance or the power of a drum kit, the R-121 delivers consistently outstanding results.

PROS
  • Exceptional build quality
  • Natural, detailed sound
  • Handles high SPLs well
CONS
  • High price point
  • Requires careful handling

Product Specifications

  • Frequency response 30 Hz - 15 kHz
  • Maximum SPL 135 dB
  • Output impedance 300 ohms
  • Weight 244 grams

Main Features

  • Hypercardioid polar pattern
  • Double-ribbon transducer
  • Compact and robust design
  • Smooth, natural sound

Product Overview

The Beyerdynamic M160 features a hypercardioid polar pattern, providing excellent isolation from unwanted ambient noise and focused sound capture. Its unique double-ribbon transducer design ensures a smooth, natural sound reproduction with a warm, rich tone.

The M160 is particularly well-suited for recording strings, piano, and vocals, offering a detailed and lively audio capture. Its compact size and robust build make it a practical choice for both studio and live applications.

With its exceptional performance and reliability, the M160 has become a favorite among engineers and musicians alike.

PROS
  • Excellent directional pickup
  • Detailed and warm audio
  • Robust construction
CONS
  • Limited frequency response
  • Requires careful placement

Product Specifications

  • Frequency response 40 Hz - 18 kHz
  • Sensitivity 1.0 mV/Pa
  • Output impedance 200 ohms
  • Weight 156 grams

Main Features

  • Figure-8 polar pattern
  • Extended low-frequency response
  • Large ribbon element
  • Smooth and balanced sound

Product Overview

The AEA R84 boasts a large ribbon element that captures audio with exceptional detail and depth. Its figure-8 polar pattern provides a natural, open sound, while the extended low-frequency response adds warmth and richness to recordings.

The R84 excels at capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and orchestral performances, offering a smooth and balanced sound that enhances the natural character of the source. Its robust design and high SPL handling make it a reliable choice for both studio and live settings.

With its classic ribbon sound and modern engineering, the R84 is a valuable addition to any recording setup.

PROS
  • Rich, full-bodied sound
  • High SPL handling
  • Robust build quality
CONS
  • Heavy and bulky
  • Requires careful handling

Product Specifications

  • Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
  • Sensitivity 2.5 mV/Pa
  • Output impedance 270 ohms
  • Weight 430 grams

Main Features

  • Dual-voice technology
  • Roswellite ribbon material
  • Figure-8 polar pattern
  • High SPL handling

Product Overview

The Shure KSM313/NE is a premium ribbon microphone that incorporates dual-voice technology, allowing users to choose between a brighter or a darker sound character with a simple rotation of the microphone.

This makes it an adaptable tool for capturing different sound sources and achieving desired tonal qualities. The KSM313/NE's Roswellite ribbon material ensures durability and resilience, handling high SPLs with ease.

Its figure-8 polar pattern provides a natural sound field with excellent side rejection. Whether you're recording vocals, guitar amps, or brass instruments, the KSM313/NE delivers a smooth, detailed sound with minimal coloration.

PROS
  • Dual-voice flexibility
  • Durable ribbon material
  • Smooth, detailed sound
CONS
  • Expensive
  • Requires careful positioning

Product Specifications

  • Frequency response 30 Hz - 15 kHz
  • Sensitivity -54.5 dBV/Pa
  • Output impedance 270 ohms
  • Weight 400 grams

Main Features

  • Active/passive modes
  • Ribbon transducer
  • Built-in Class A preamp
  • Four voicing options

Product Overview

The Aston Stealth is a unique ribbon microphone that features both active and passive operating modes, allowing it to adapt to various recording situations. Its active mode provides high output and low noise, ideal for quiet sources, while the passive mode is perfect for capturing louder sound sources without overloading.

The Stealth's ribbon transducer delivers a smooth, natural sound with a balanced frequency response. Its built-in Class A preamp ensures clean, detailed audio capture. The Stealth also includes four distinct voicing options, further enhancing its sonic flexibility.

With its robust construction and innovative design, the Aston Stealth is a valuable microphone for any studio or live setup.

PROS
  • Active and passive modes
  • Built-in preamp
  • Multiple voicing options
CONS
  • Heavier than typical mics
  • Complex operation

Product Specifications

  • Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
  • Sensitivity Active: 14 mV/Pa; Passive: 1.5 mV/Pa
  • Output impedance Active: 200 ohms; Passive: 140 ohms
  • Weight 695 grams